No MORE TOYS! :)
July 6th, 2007 by Jenni
Yesterday marks the beginning of a small experiment. I decided after several mediations between the boys that I would put all their toys away for a season. They fight way too easily and I’m having a hard time helping them with their attitude when they go from toy to toy to toy always seeming to want what the other has. So lest you think I’m a cruel mother I will explain what I mean. Chris took the boys to Costco last night while I stayed home with the girls and packed up all their toys. They get to keep out two cars or trains or whatever they would like to play with, Guenna gets two dollies and her new little stroller (which all the kids love!) I put the toys in bins, organized by categories (trains/tracks, cars, babies and stuffed animals, big trucks/cars, blocks, doll house/assesories, you get the idea), they will stay in the closet from now on, no easy access-permission only! If they want to play with the legos they can but they have to put them away when they are done with them and can’t get another toy/game/puzzle out until that first one is completely put away. I’ve always wanted to do this but I think it’s going to work this time! The only toys they have access to all the time is their two cars or trains and sissy has her dolly. I let them trade amongst themselves as long as their is peace but if their is fighting the toys are automatically taken away from both. So far so good. I’m doing this because I want peace in our home, and toys and clutter all over the floor, whining boys and screaming girls does not create peace. I want peace not only for Chris and I but for our children. I asked Aidan yesterday, “do you like to fight with your brother?” I knew his answer would be, “No.” “Come on guys, we’re a team!” And you know what? It has been great! I can keep better track of who’s playing with what and still get my work done, and none of us are tripping over the mess, kids don’t like mess either even if they do create it, they would much rather play in a clutter-free environment.
So, here we go. Yet another shot at making life in the Burns household a little more peaceful and fulfilling. Well, I’ve been busy and I’m really working on getting my quilt done this week. Hopefully with less clutter I will be able to finish this project!
Wow, now I know why you haven’t posted for a few days!! That is one BIG project!! Hope it works, if anyone can make it work, you can! Fighting kids are certainly not pleasant, and if this is the answer you should patent it, you’d make a fortune! ‘Course you might have to go with the patent! (Since most parents are not as determined as you are!)(I didn’t say stubborn!) :)
Good for you Jenni!
Your mom is right. this is difficult. But i’ve heard many times that stripping down toys can help kids cope better, clean up better, etc.
Great idea!
With out “playroom” becoming more of a “homeschool room” now, I am hoping to do the same. Its funny, the more toys that the children recieve, it makes me realize that they only play with their fave few anyways! Go figure!
Peace and calmness is so nice in the house, everyone will appriciate it!
Jenni, You have wonderful encouragement from the comments you have received!! Now when that voice comes in the middle of the night to say “you have done it all wrong, give the toys back!” refer to the comments above and go back to sleep, because you are doing a good thing!!!!
You are a great parent,
Love Kelley
Great plan, Jenni! I totally understand…as I’m a clutter person and how nice to have the peace of organization. Maybe I should do that here??? :o) I know there are toys in the “toy hassock” that are useless and it would be great to sort them out. I found a great game in the garage yesterday that will be fun to play with the boys. It’s called “Don’t Spill the Beans!”. I don’t think it was ever played with. We’ll try it out today and put it up afterwards.
Love you and your wonderful organized personality!
Nana Joan
Hey Sister,
I applaud you. That is an awesome idea. San and I were talking about this idea afterwards. We hope to do something similar. Peace is a priceless commodity. I think sometimes it’s something we really have to fight for. It doesn’t come naturally, I don’t think. I’m proud of you sis, for wanting more than the average and for making sacrifices (with your own sanity) so that your family can learn and grow. May God bless you and give you strength and help you to not lose sight of your vision. Love you sis. See you in . . . 24 days!! Yikes! I’m going to be a bride in 28 days! Four weeks from today! I can’t believe it! Wish you were here to help me out. I had a bridal shower last night. It was a blast! Can’t wait to see you sis! Give me a call today when you get a chance. I don’t think I talked to you about our visit to your rental. LOVE YOUUUUUU!! Talk to you soon!
I’ve thought of doing the exact same thing. I thought I would put all the toys in our unfinished basement and then each day we could go “shopping” for whatever toys strike a fancy (and then take them back to the “store” after they are done). It’s great that you have implemented such a neat idea!